(PatriotNews.net) – Oprah Winfrey has decided to step down from the WeightWatchers board after being on it since 2015. The company’s stocks took a hit, dropping around 25%, following her departure announcement. Oprah, who owns about 10% of WeightWatchers’ stock, disclosed that she won’t run for re-election and will also donate her shares to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
The 70-year-old TV mogul mentioned her continued collaboration with WeightWatchers in addressing obesity as a chronic condition, reducing stigma, and advocating for health equity. For five decades, Oprah had a very public battle with weight management. She stated that her mind was consumed, going back and forth, wondering why she couldn’t overcome this challenge, thinking that her lack of willpower was the issue. She intends to participate in public forums to advance these conversations. Oprah’s departure comes amid the company’s declining profits and public support, reflected in the plummeting stock prices.
Winfrey’s decision to use medications for weight management, revealed last year, raised eyebrows. She acknowledged the stigma surrounding drug use but expressed relief and redemption in having a medically approved prescription to manage weight. WeightWatchers, facing a shifting paradigm, introduced the WeightWatchers Clinic, offering members access to doctors prescribing weight loss medications.
For 70 years, the company’s traditional emphasis has been behavior-based programs, including exercise, calorie counting, and willpower, but has taken a backseat with the incorporation of pharmaceuticals like Ozempic and Wegovy. The move has left many feeling betrayed, challenging long-standing advice.
Winfrey’s announcement to donate her WeightWatchers interest aligns with the company’s efforts to eliminate perceived conflicts of interest concerning her medication use. The remaining board members support her charitable decision. Thilo Semmelbauer, the board chairman, commended Oprah’s inspiring presence and advocacy during her eight-year tenure, shaping the company’s trajectory.
WeightWatchers’ future direction remains uncertain, marked by Oprah’s departure and the ongoing transformation of its weight management approach. As the company grapples with these changes, public sentiment and market dynamics will play pivotal roles in determining its future success.
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